Stearns Family Charitable Fund
Preselected recipients only
Stearns Family Charitable Fund is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $232,589 in 27 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $107,040. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$232,589
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$107,040
- Assets$3.2 million
- New grantees15%
Giving in 2025 was up from $153,925 the year before.
15% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $151,600 | 27 | $3.0 million |
| 2024 | $153,925 | 27 | $2.9 million |
| 2025 | $232,589 | 27 | $3.2 million |
How to apply
Stearns Family Charitable Fund says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Stearns Family Charitable Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 18 | $216,164 |
| South Carolina | 1 | $10,000 |
| Florida | 3 | $3,600 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $1,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $825 |
| Arizona | 1 | $500 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | For support of educational endeavors | $107,040 |
| Northwestern University | General support | $31,874 |
| Field Museum | Natural resource conservation | $16,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Chicago | General support for children | $15,250 |
| Hilton Head Christian Academy | Education support | $10,000 |
| Geneva Foundation of Pres Homes | Care services for seniors | $7,750 |
| Better Government Association | Advocating for affordable housing | $6,000 |
| North Shore Country Day School | Education support | $5,000 |
| North Shore Hospital Foundation | Medical research and support | $5,000 |
| North Lawndale College Prep | Training and educational support | $5,000 |
| Advance Illinois | Support illinois public education system | $5,000 |
| Accelerate Institute | Advance educational equity and support | $5,000 |
| Chicago Jesuit Academy | Support religious and educational activities | $2,500 |
| Lynn University | Education support/scholarships | $2,500 |
| Skokie Country Club Educational Foundation | Educational support | $1,250 |
| Country Club of Florida Scholarship Foundation | Education support | $1,000 |
| Harvard Business School | Education support | $1,000 |
| Northwestern University Women's Board | General support | $1,000 |
| Evans Scholarship Foundation | Educational support | $1,000 |
| The Heritage Foundation | General support | $600 |
| The Licorice Project | Cancer support services | $500 |
| Old Elm Scholarship Foundation | Educational support | $500 |
| Duke University | Teaching, research and educational support | $500 |
| St Mary Cemetery | Cemetery support. | $500 |
| NPH USA | Educational support | $500 |
| Judicial Watch | Advancing governmental transparency & accountability | $225 |
| Florida Sherrifs Association | Advance public safety | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Neele E Stearns
- Bonnie Stearns
- Katherine Sprenger
- Kendra Drozd
Questions people ask
Does Stearns Family Charitable Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Stearns Family Charitable Fund give?
$232,589 in tax year 2025, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs Stearns Family Charitable Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Neele E Stearns (President), Bonnie Stearns (Vice President), Katherine Sprenger (Secretary) and Kendra Drozd (Treasurer).
What does Stearns Family Charitable Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and faith communities.